As per the article 111B(2), the qualifications differ for individuals who reside in the Republic of Cyprus for highly skilled employment in companies which are determined by the Decision of the Council of Ministers, as well as for their family members. The following companies fall into this category:
- Businesses/companies of foreign interests operating in the Republic of Cyprus and operating independent offices in Cyprus, which are housed in suitable premises, separate from any private residence or other office;
- Cypriot shipping companies;
- Cypriot hi-tech/innovation companies with products related to the aviation and space industry, computers, IT technology and communication sector, pharmaceuticals, biomedical equipment, research and development equipment, electrical machinery, chemicals, non-electrical machinery;
- Cypriot pharmaceutical companies or Cypriot companies active in the fields of biogenetics and biotechnology;
- The companies that are already registered in the Register of Foreign Companies of the Civil Registry and Migration Department;
- The international institutions of Higher and Higher Education that are recognized by the Agency for Assurance and Certification of the Quality of Higher Education, regarding the employment of educational staff.
A third country national who on both the day they submit their application and the day it is reviewed, is employed in a company that meets the specified conditions and whose employment is considered highly skilled according to the outlined criteria, may apply for Cypriot citizenship through naturalization if they meet all the following requirements:
- Legal and continuous residence for 12 months immediately preceding the date of application. Periods of absence that do not exceed a total of 90 days do not interrupt the stated time period.
- During the immediately preceding 10 years from the 12-month period, to have legal residence for cumulative periods of no less than 4 years or 3 years depending on the level of knowledge of the Greek language, i.e. A2 or B1 respectively. Periods of absence that do not exceed a total of 90 days per year are not counted as absence.
- Good character.
- Sufficient knowledge of the Greek language at level A2 or B1 as the case may be.
- Sufficient knowledge of basic elements of the modern political and social reality of the Republic.
- Sufficient accommodation and stable and regular financial resources sufficient for the maintenance of themselves and their family members;
- Intention to reside in the Republic.
Highly skilled employees
- Persons who are holders of temporary residence permits for the purpose of employment in companies of foreign interests, provided that they belong to the following categories:
- Director
- Specialist
- Key personnel
- Individuals regardless of their residence status:
- receive a minimum gross monthly salary of €2,500
- hold a university diploma or title or an equivalent qualification or certificates of experience in a corresponding employment position lasting 2 years (eg tax returns).
Persons belonging to category (2) should provide a certificate, either from the Business Facilitation Unit or from the Civil Registry and Migration Department confirming that the company meets the criteria of the Decision.
Highly qualified employees and their family members can apply for an expedited examination of the application, which does not exceed eight (8) months, by paying a fee of €5,000.
Family members
The following persons can apply together with or after the eligible person, provided they meet the residence and language requirements:
- Spouse or partner
- Dependent adult child with a disability (“disability” in relation to a person means any long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others).
At Highworth, our migration advisors are ready to assist you with a wide range of migration-related
matters, including filling in the right forms and representing you.
